Windows Live Local Goes Into Beta 2

Microsoft has re-released its local search and mapping service with several new features and an updated API.

0shares

While they will be lost on newcomers, the changes made to Windows Live Local upon its launch into Beta 2 will be noticeable to regulars. First, the search windows are now stacked one on top of the other rather than side by side; a more intuitive arrangement by my reckoning (the original layout tripped me into entering the right search query into the lefterwrong box during my first visit).

Perhaps the most far-reaching enhancement to the service though, is a free and downloadable add-in that allows users to bring maps and driving directions directly into Microsoft Outlook (XP and 2003 versions only) from the Live Local online service. You won't need to make any changes to your Outlook configurations or go to your network administrator for special hooks back to Exchange because the add-in is based on the common MAPI interface, meaning that many different e-mail clients can handle it. You'll also be able to send and receive maps from within Outlook.

Another addition that's sure to be popular is integrated traffic information that includes both flow data as well as incident-related info. The Microsoft Live Local team has partnered with traffic.com, a service that aggregates both public and private traffic sources for major metro areas around the U.S.

Those already familiar with the Live Local site will find a few other changes to the UI. For instance, what used to be called the Scratch Pad has now become "Collections," though it remains functionally the same and is basically a place to jot notes you've made on a given map. It is also possible to get a full-page map view by hiding the left-hand sidebar. You'll notice some reordering of the various drop-down menus as well.

Another change and one that's not visually obvious is that your saved info is no longer tied to cookies stored locally on your PC; rather, they are now tied to your Windows Live ID so you'll be able to access them from any Internet-connected PC once you've logged in.

One question I had based on my familiarity with Microsoft's software mapping products was whether Live Local would be directly interactive with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Live Local makes use of the Microsoft MapPoint Object Engine, a component that Streets and Trips doesn't use. However, those who purchase the more expensive and far more expansive Microsoft MapPoint 2006 mapping and business-oriented package will indeed find a very handy dropdown menu item that allows you to "Show in Windows Live Local."

//Related Articles

Developers and businesses that want to personalize Live Local pages will find an updated API available with this release, one that allows for instant mashups , ability to start geo-collections of map data, as well as other powerful developer controls.

Finally, with this version Microsoft is announcing that local search is now available in the United Kingdom and Canada along with city-to-city routing throughout Europe. Microsoft has partnered with a company that will provide similar bird's eye imagery to that produced by Pictometry International Corp. here in the U.S. This imagery is shot using low-altitude fly-overs and allows end users to see four images of a given area from each of the four cardinal compass directions (A yellow indicator informs you during a search whether a birds-eye view is available for an area).

Davis D. Janowski is Lead Analyst for Web Applications and Software, charged with covering the likes of Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, and millions of other Internet and Web companies. Prior to this, he served as Section Editor for Consumer Networking, GPS Products, Phones & PDAs (Mobile and VoIP); Associate Editor for Networking Infrastructure; and Associate Editor for Internet Infrastructure. Before joining PC Magazine, Janowski worked as a medical editor, covering epidemiology and infectious diseases, receiving training at the Centers for Disease Control. At one point, he acted...
More »

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service